Auszug:
"Air, Water, and Soil Quality: During the 1980s the main air pollution problems were sulphur dioxide (SO2) emissions and smoke from thermal power plants, industrial and individual heating systems. However, a significant reduction in SO2 pollution occurred throughout the country in the late eighties as most industries and individuals converted to oil or gas heating, and domestic coal was replaced with imported coal that carried a low sulphur content. Currently, the main problems are excess concentrations of NOx (1994 levels were found to be about 6 percent higher than those of 1987), and ozone in urban areas, which arise from the continued use of some heating systems and traffic. These pollution problems are even more pronounced in elevated areas around major urban centres and during summer periods. Daily emissions of more than 140 tons of carbon oxides, more than 20 tons of hydrocarbons, more than 70 tons of nitrogen oxides, approximately 100 kilograms of lead, and more than 4 tons of sulphur dioxide are known to arise on a daily basis owing to traffic. The quality of surface water has generally improved since the 1990s. The majority of rivers are now of 2nd and 3rd class. This does not mean water is drinkable, but it can be used for bathing or for technological purposes without processing. The Slovenian coast is densely populated, and although wastewater treatment plants exist, these are insufficient to serve all inhabitants. Seawater quality is generally good, however, excess concentrations of bacteria occur several times per year.Groundwater is the main source of drinking water in Slovenia, however, its quality is worsening. Almost all groundwater lies under highly permeable ground (half of the country is karst, and four major cities lie on aluvial plains), therefore groundwater quality is very sensitive to above ground activities. Many water wells are polluted with fertilisers (leading to excessive levels of NO3- and NO2-), pesticides (including atrazine, a herbicide used for corn production), mineral oils and solvents.Soil quality is a poorly studied subject in Slovenia. Although studies have shown that in general soil quality is good, some measurements have indicated increased heavy metal content around industrial plants and high pesticide content on farming land. Awareness of the causes of soil contamination is low among the public and public administration."